As speech-language pathologists, we strive to develop our students’ communication skills, not only in the structural aspects of language but also in navigating social nuances. One such skill is the ability to “use a filter”—to discern which thoughts should be spoken and which should remain unvoiced. Today, we’re excited to introduce an easy, engaging activity for your lessons: the free Elementary Think It Or Say It Game.
Why Teach ‘Using a Filter’ to Elementary Students?
Understanding the difference between ‘think it’ and ‘say it’ is crucial in promoting respectful and empathetic communication. For example, children should learn that some thoughts, while important to them, may not always be appropriate to vocalize. By introducing the concept of ‘using a filter’ at the elementary level, we lay a strong foundation for future social interactions and relationships.
Introducing the Free Elementary Think It Or Say It Game
Our Think It or Say It Game is a practical, hands-on tool for teaching ‘using a filter’. This mini game packet is designed to be simple and no-prep, making it easy to integrate into your lesson plans.
What’s Included?
The game packet comes with various cards featuring different statements and scenarios. Therefore, after discussing the concept of ‘using a filter’, have students sort the cards into two piles: ‘Think It’ and ‘Say It’. This task offers a tangible way for children to practice deciding what should be spoken and what should be internalized.
A Sample Lesson Plan: Using a Filter with the Think It Or Say It Game
Here is a simple, no-prep lesson plan you can follow:
- Introduction to the Concept: Begin with a brief, interactive discussion about the difference between thoughts and spoken words. Illustrate this with a few examples that the students can relate to.
- Game Explanation: Introduce the Think It Or Say It Game. Explain that each card has a statement or scenario and that they will sort these into two piles: ‘Think It’ and ‘Say It’.
- Card Sorting Activity: Distribute the cards among the students. Ask them to read each card and decide which pile it belongs in.
- Discussion: Once all the cards are sorted, go through each one as a class. After that, ask students to explain why they chose ‘Think It’ or ‘Say It’ for each card, fostering a classroom dialogue.
- Reflection: End the lesson by reinforcing the importance of ‘using a filter’ and how it helps in day-to-day communication.
No-Prep Activity Ideas: Making the Most of the Think It Or Say It Game
Apart from the card sorting activity, there are several other ways to utilize the Think It Or Say It Game. Here are a few additional no-prep activity ideas:
- Role-Play: Encourage students to act out the scenarios on the cards. This allows them to engage with the concept in a more personal and practical way.
- Storytelling: Have the students create stories using the cards. They can select a few ‘Think It’ and ‘Say It’ cards and construct a narrative around them.
- Group Discussion: Use the cards to stimulate group discussions. In this case, each group can pick a card and discuss whether they agree or disagree with its classification.
Indeed, teaching ‘using a filter’ may initially appear as a daunting task. However, with the seamless incorporation of the Free Elementary Think It Or Say It Game, it can transform into an engaging and fun experience. This exceptional tool, while primarily aiding in teaching a crucial social communication skill, simultaneously offers an interactive avenue to foster empathy and understanding among your students. Therefore, not only does it serve an educational purpose, but it also promotes personal growth. So, all in all, it’s clear that the benefits of this game are multifaceted, making it an indispensable tool in any elementary teaching toolkit.
Sample Video
Students learn best from watching real students their own age model skills. Try out this sample video-modeling lesson below. We offer our entire Social-Emotional Learning platform free for 30 days here!
Related Blog Posts:
Teaching Students to Use a Filter: Helping Them Think Before They Speak
